We monitor the impact of development on the regional ecosystems. Our mission is to help create a model for sustainable tourism development in the Mexican Caribbean; through research; education and outreach. We accomplish our mission thanks to the support of people who share their time or money for our project goals. Since our foundation we have worked within the Akumal community on the following matters:
In addition to its own independent research; CEA hosts visiting researchers and experts in various fields from around the world. The main goal of CEA’s Reef Monitoring project is to collect comprehensive data on the Mesoamerican Reef (commonly referred to as the MAR) in the region of Akumal. Volunteers will monitor both fish and corals; and each of the volunteers is expected to specialize in either one of these. Before you can start the actual monitoring work; you must be able to identify 100% of the coral or fish species encountered here to make sure the data collected is accurate. The first three weeks of this project will mostly be spent learning fishes or corals; becoming familiar with the monitoring methodology; and going snorkelling in the bay for some underwater identification practice. You will also be given general lectures (wildlife; reefs; oceanography; etc.) to give you a better perspective on your work. By week four you should be ready to start monitoring. We will monitor the reef by use of SCUBA/snorkelling at least once a day; weather permitting. Volunteers can expect to follow business hours; Monday to Friday; 10-5 pm. However; because the field research is weather dependent; we ask volunteers to be flexible and understand that the overall plans and schedule may need to be adjusted throughout the program.
Required equipment to bring: personal snorkel gear (mask; fins; snorkel); wetsuit (2-3mm is best); rashguard; laptop or tablet that will allow for use of software – creating presentations; data etc.; and dive gear. Note: Dive gear is available for volunteers use; however; depending on sizing and/or availability; volunteers should be aware that if gear is not available they may be required to rent their own gear at an additional cost.
January 18th 2021 onwards
1 week
Adults of both sexes 21+
Open water dive certification with at least 10 dives. A Certificate of Health / Note from your physician clearing you to dive. Volunteers are required to show copies of the above and bring the necessary documents to Mexico with them. The dive centers in Akumal provide discounted rates to our volunteers for dive certification or refresher courses. This should be done before your program start date.
US$275 which includes accommodation (dorm room with ensuite, shared kitchen, lounge, garden + wifi), pre-arrival support, course materials and lectures, research support and guidance from supervisor, dive gear/use (regulator, BCD plus wetsuit – depending on size and/or availability), boat, captain plus divemaster for each dive, research tools plus equipment, volunteer t-shirt. The fee does not include meals, transportation and transfers, medical/travel/dive insurance, weekend excursions or activities.
Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo
